CARMAXX Bugster 9.03 - The Boxster Beetle

I've always admired 'sleeper' creations, but what could be more fitting than a tuned Boxster masquerading as VW Beetle? We've all seen German look VWs powered by angry Type 4 or Porsche engines hanging out the back, but this creation retains almost all of the Boxster's renowned handling and balance.

CARMAXX Automobiles founder Siegfried Rudolf completed an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic at Porsche where he successfully passed the master examination. From 1989 to 1999 Rudolf then worked for VW.

In the early 70s VW, Porsche and Audi specialist Artz produced a one-off mid-engined Beetle with a 2.7RS engine and 914/6 underpinnings. Is that where Rudolf first saw it done? Modern engineering techniques and the Boxster platform combine to produce a more powerful and no doubt reliable version.

Under this humble 1970s Super Beetle body hides a full plate of Boxster S running gear including mid mounted 270PS 3.2-litre flat six engine and original six speed gearbox. Look up 'sleeper' in the German dictionary and you'd half expect to find details of the Bugster.

The idea came to Siegfried one day having parked his tuned Beetle Cabrio 1303 next to his wife's Porsche Boxster S. Looking at the dimensions and surveying the two vehicles it was clear to him that the idea was feasible.

With no fixed prices, the spec can be tailor made to suit buyer's requirements. Now that the logistics of such a creation has been mastered by CARMAXX, it is also possible to fit the 996 and even GT3 powerplants! Just imagine the look on a 911 driver's face..

Weighing just 1098kg the Bugster 9.03 promises performance in abundance and handling to match. Painted in Lamborghini Grigio Telesto Metallic and incorporating the trademark Boxster side air intakes the finished product looks truly wunderbar and is a credit to the company founder's  engineering talent.

For more technical specs and photos visit the Bugster.at site.

Porsche 918 Concept Hybrid Spyder

Hot on the heels of Porsche's hybrid GT3 R racer, the sensational 918 Hybrid Spyder has crawled out from under the blankets at Geneva today. Mating a mid-mounted race bred 3.4 litre V8 with a pair of front axel mounted electric motors, this sleek answer to Audi's R8 and e-tron supercars, places Porsche at the forefront of high performance hybrid technology.

Each electric motor produces 109hp which, when used in conjunction with the 500hp RS Spyder derived naturally aspirated V8, results in 718hp! With all that power but still capable of returning 78mpg and 70g Co2/km the 918 Spyder secures the future existence for high powered, highly efficient supercars. Smaller in body than a Carrera GT, the 918 possesses Boxster proportions, albeit capable of a very un-Boxster-like 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and 194mph.

Resembling an intimidating hungry shark, Porsche designers have adopted styling cues direct from Porsche royalty, the Le Mans winning 917. Brimming with exciting new detail, the 918 is not shy in admitting a racy appearance. Side exit exhausts sit menacingly close to futuristic new wheels hiding electric motors and ceramic brakes. Let's just hope they put it into production.

Porsche have released a slick new video entertaining the idea that they designed the technology for this car over 100 years ago. So, are you still happy with your McLaren MP4 order Sir?

Source: Autoblog

Top Second-Hand Buys for Under £10,000

2001 Porsche Boxster

Considered by many as the definitive roadster, Porsche's mostly mis-conceived entry level sports car has a lot going for it. Excellent build quality, reliability and a badge to be proud of are just several reasons why Boxster ownership is rated so highly. The 3.2 litre flat six 250hp motor in the 'S' is the one to go for, but all engines perform well. Gearboxes, brakes, and suspension are all top quality items, whilst the electrics and fabric hood require careful inspection at purchase. The driving experience, especially the handling, roadholding and balance are in a class of their own for this sector.

Pistonheads Classified: 2001 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S £9,995

BMW Z3 M Coupe

The BMW Z3 M Coupe has always been a favourite of mine and with prices now beginning to dip below ten grand, almost all of the depreciation has been suffered. The striking 'bread wagon' appearance did not appeal to everyone but you couldn't ignore the muscular rear arches, increased rigidity over the Roadster and practical boot. Sold in the UK with the E36 M3's 3.2 litre straight six, the little two seater coupe had 315hp to play with.

Pistonheads Classified: 2000 BMW Z3 M Coupe £10,000